L.C Smith SBS/OU 12 GA/44-40

Make: L.C Smith
Model: SBS/OU
Caliber: 12 GA/44-40
Action: Break
Barrel: 30
Bore: Dark
Serial # 1048
Condition: Good
During the period of 1877 to 1888, L.C. Smith made the Baker Three-Barrel Gun and the Baker Double-Barrel Gun. L.C. Smith joined with his brother Leroy and W.H. Baker to form W.H. Baker and Co. located at 20 Walton Street, Syracuse, N.Y. In 1880 Baker and Leroy left the business to form the Ithaca Gun Co. By 1880 Baker was no longer listed in the Syracuse city directory. Advertisements made at that time said “L.C. Smith maker of Baker Guns, Syracuse, N.Y”. This was also on the top rib of the guns. Manufacture of the new L.C. Smith hammer shotguns began in 1884. Baker Three-Barrel Gun
The purpose of the Baker Three-Barrel Gun was stated in the 1884 catalog copy: “It is a fact too well known to need mention, that in going out for the purpose of killing small game with a shot gun, one is constantly having unexpected chances to shoot at larger game that a shot gun will either not reach at all, or fail to kill; and to those who are in the habit of hunting in localities where there are animals that are dangerous, and which are liable to be encountered at any moment without warning, this gun gives the possessor feelings of confidence and safety that are invaluable, to say nothing of the extra amount and actual value of the game that can be obtained by its use . . .”“In regard to the sights, after much experimenting, we have adopted the hinge sight on the stock, which turns down entirely out of the way while shooting the shot barrels, and when turned up has a slide with a common notch in the top for open or quick shooting, and when raised has a fine hole or peep sight for close or target shooting. A buckhorn sight can be placed on the rib when desired, but in most cases is unadvisable, as the rear sight answers all practical purposes.”The Baker Three-Barrel Gun was available in either 10 or 12 gauge. The third barrel was chambered for the .44-40 cartridge, or as the catalog said: “The Rifles are chambered to use the Winchester 44-calibre cartridge, Model ’73.’ Experience has shown us that the 44-calibre cartridge is the best adapted to the purpose that this gun is used for.” Even though the catalog states this, research has shown they were made in 38-50 Ballard, 38-55, 45-70, and 45 Ballard and probably other calibers. (The second number denotes the number of grains of black powder used in the cartridge.) The rib was marked “L.C. Smith Maker of Baker Guns, Syracuse N.Y“. The front trigger was pushed forward to unlock and open the breech. The hammer for the rifle barrel was located under the receiver and within the trigger guard. It was fired by pulling the rear trigger. It has been estimated that about 1,186 Three-Barrel Guns were manufactured by L.C. Smith. This estimate is questionable as the serial numbers for the three barrel started at 300 and went to 1600. Please see photos. No FFL needed in Most States.